I got Lily and Maya at 2 weeks old. Both of them were extremely sick with URI's, ocular discharge and dehydration. Their sister passed away within hours of arrival to foster. Lily and Maya were in critical shape for the first few days. I slept on the couch, with them on the coffee table so that I could hear any changes in their breathing. With feedings every 2 hours, fluids and lots of medications, Lily and Maya slowly started to stabilize. They were bottle fed for the next 3 weeks, until they were ready to be weaned onto canned food. Lily and Maya were one of the most bonded pair of kittens I have ever cared for. Lily's outgoing and spunky personality allowed Maya to develop some self confidence, and Maya's calm, quiet nature encouraged Lily to open up to snuggles and affection. These two taught me a great deal about resiliency and strength.
Foster Pro Tip: with bottle baby kittens that require formula feedings, I prefer to use a Miracle Nipple. These nipples are designed to provide a steady, but slow deliver of formula that helps prevent aspiration (inhalation of formula into the lungs). Aspiration can lead to lower respiratory infections like pneumonia, which can be deadly for kittens this age. It is important to make sure kittens are fed in an upright, belly down position, and that they are not drinking too much or too fast.
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